On Thursday, Feb. 28, 2008 First Selectman Gordon F. Joseloff sent the following letter to town department heads and chairs of Westport boards and commissions:

TO:  Department Heads; Chair of All Boards and Commissions 

FROM:  Gordon F. Joseloff,  First Selectman

"On Tuesday night at a Zoning Board of Appeals meeting, a member of the public became unruly, yelling obscenities at board members and acting in a threatening manner that resulted in police having to be called. 

"The incident is deeply regrettable and only underscores that Westport is not immune from frightening and potentially violent outbursts at public meetings and in public places. 

"I have conferred with the Westport Police Department and we will be reviewing security measures for Town Hall and for Town Hall meetings.  

"I have already informed the ZBA and P&Z chairs that I and our police officials will be meeting with them and those commissioners who so desire to further discuss these measures. I will be happy to schedule similar meetings with others. 

"In the meantime, I want you and all Westporters to know that from now on, we have zero tolerance for any threatening behavior in Town Hall or at public meetings.  

"Clearly we will not attempt to infringe on anyone’s right to make their views known at public meetings. But it must be done in a non-threatening manner. Those who engage in such behavior will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."